Leaning over the bar, she informed her in a hushed tone, ‘Everybody knows everything here in Lilacwell.’
‘Ah, I see,’ grinned Adira, ‘and have you been told all about my magic potions?’ she replied with humour.
‘You mean the witch hazel and eyewash?’ she played along.
Adira got friendly vibes. She had an easy way about her, with a natural look. Her chestnut hair was cut short into a wedge. She guessed they were a similar age.
‘I’m Adira by the way.’ She held out her hand, which the girl shook.
‘Cassie. I’m the assistant manager.’
‘It’s a beautiful place.’ Adira looked all around her at the stone floors, inglenook fires and wooden panelling holding paintings of country scenes.
‘It sure is,’ Cassie agreed. ‘So, what’s the crack with the herbal remedies?’ Curiosity had been aroused already amongst the village and she was never one to miss an opportunity, not when she had the ‘witch’ herself stood in front of her.
Adira smiled at the openness of her, that was the vast distinction between living in London where nameless peoples scurried about their business, oblivious to those around them. Here, it seemed everyone, especially a newcomer, was of paramount interest.
‘Well,’ she replied, then took a long drink, ‘my gran’s a naturopath and she’s taught me all she knows. I’m actually a trained massage therapist.’
‘Really?’ Cassie asked, curious.
‘Yes, so if ever you need to relax those muscles full of tension, I’m your man,’ Adira winked, making Cassie laugh again. She liked this new visitor, with her strange ways and unusual name. She understood Fletcher’s interest. Adira was fresh blood to Lilacwell, and the villagers, she knew, would want to know every single thing about her.
‘Hmm.’ Cassie paused in thought. ‘You could well have fallen upon a good idea there.’
‘Sorry?’
‘We’ve talked about having a spa treatment room here at the Inn, offering guests beauty therapies and massages, that kind of thing.’
‘Good idea,’ agreed Adira, ‘you’ve certainly got the custom.’ She glanced round at the many tables occupied with ladies of various ages. They obviously had money to spend staying at the Inn, so why wouldn’t they buy beauty treatments as part of their stay?
Cassie was looking at her pensively.
‘Would you consider offering advice, on how to set it up, what we’d need, that kind of thing?’
‘Well…’
‘Even if you’re not planning to stay here long, perhaps you can help to get the room ready and give directions on packages we could offer?’ Cassie gave her most beguiling smile, then threw in the clincher, ‘I’ll make sure you’re paid well.’ Aha, that made a difference, judging by the look on Adira’s face.
‘It’s very tempting, but to be honest, it depends on whether Fletcher agrees to me staying in his field.’ She had intended to work where she could, but envisaged bar work, or fruit picking – not doing what she really took pleasure in and was good at. Adira knew the money to be made in this line of business and was reluctant to look a gift horse in the mouth.
‘Oh don’t worry about Fletcher,’ waved away Cassie, ‘he’ll love having you about.’
Adira was inclined to agree deep down, but didn’t like to assume. At least this way she could offer him some rent for staying on his land. Then a thought suddenly occurred to her. ‘When did Fletcher tell you about me?’
‘He didn’t. Lilly, his cleaner, told Lisa, who lives in the cottage next door to her and works here, she told us all.’
Adira stared at her. ‘Oh, I see.’
‘Like I said,’ laughed Cassie, ‘everybody knows everything in Lilacwell.’ Then, with a slight smirk added, ‘Met the nephew yet?’
‘Jasper? Yes, I’ve met him.’ Why was Cassie’s mouth twitching?
‘What d’ya reckon?’
‘Pardon?’
‘Easy on the eye, eh?’
